CA 19-9 Test (Cancer Antigen 19-9) For Pancreatic Cancer

CA 19-9 Test is used to help confirm a patient's cancer diagnosis and assess cancer treatment. CA 19-9 Test measures the amount of a protein called CA 19-9 (cancer antigen 19-9) in a sample of your blood.

CA 19-9 Test

Here are the basic details for CA 19-9 Test.

Also Known As	Cancer Antigen 19-9 Test
Test Type	Blood Test
Sample Type	Blood Serum
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	All
Age-Group	Any
Normal Value	< 37 U/mL
Reporting Time	8 - 24 Hours
Cost	800 - 1500* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

CA 19-9 Test Full Form

Full Form of CA 19-9 Test is Cancer Antigen 19-9 Test.

CA 19-9 Test Means

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that stands for Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9.

It is a blood test used to measure the levels of CA 19-9 in the bloodstream.
CA 19-9 is primarily associated with cancers, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers.
Elevated CA 19-9 levels may indicate the presence of these cancers or be used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence.
However, CA 19-9 levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, so further diagnostic tests are needed for accurate diagnosis.

CA 19-9 Test Purpose

The purpose of the CA 19-9 test is to measure the levels of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in the blood.

It is primarily used as a tumor marker to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers.
The test helps in evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatment and detecting cancer recurrence.

CA 19-9 Test: Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Meaning

CA 19-9 Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for CA 19-9 Test.

Before Test

No specific preparation is usually required for the CA 19-9 test.
However, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have, as they may affect the test results.

During Test

The CA 19-9 test is a simple blood test.
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein, typically from your arm.

After Test

There are no specific post-test instructions or restrictions.
You can resume your regular activities immediately after the blood draw.
The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.

CA 19-9 Test Procedure

The CA 19-9 test procedure typically involves the following steps:

You will be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
A healthcare professional will clean the site (usually the arm) where the blood will be drawn.
They will then apply a tourniquet above the site to make the veins more visible and accessible.
A sterile needle will be inserted into a vein, and blood will be collected into a vial or tube.
Once an adequate amount of blood is collected, the needle will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
A bandage or cotton ball may be placed on the puncture site to cover it.
The blood sample will be labeled and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

CA 19-9 Test Result

When interpreting CA 19-9 test results, here are three key points to consider:

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker commonly used for gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic and colorectal cancers, but it can also be elevated in other conditions.
An elevated CA 19-9 level alone is not diagnostic of cancer and should be evaluated in conjunction with other clinical findings, imaging studies, and medical history.

CA 19-9 Test Report

CA 19-9 Test Report - Drlogy Test

CA 19-9 Test Report PDF

CA 19-9 Test Normal Report

Ca 19 9 Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test Normal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

CA 19-9 Normal Test Report PDF Format

CA 19-9 Test Normal Result Report PDF

CA 19-9 Test Abnormal Report

Ca 19 9 Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test Abnormal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

CA 19-9 Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

CA 19-9 Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

CA 19-9 Test Normal Range

Here is CA 19-9 test normal range mentioned below.

CA 19-9 Level	Interpretation
< 37 U/mL	Normal range
37 - 100 U/mL	Slightly elevated
> 100 U/mL	Elevated

CA 19-9 Test Interpretation

Here are details for interpreting CA 19-9 test results:

CA 19-9 Level	Interpretation
< 37 U/mL	Within normal range
37 - 100 U/mL	Slightly elevated CA 19-9 levels (maybe non-cancerous causes)
101 - 500 U/mL	Moderately elevated CA 19-9 levels (may suggest cancer)
> 500 U/mL	Significantly elevated CA 19-9 levels (may indicate cancer)

Specimen Requirements For CA 19-9 Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the CA 19-9 Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	0.6 ml
Container	Red top Vacutainer tube with EDTA anticoagulant

CA 19-9 Test is Safe?

The CA 19-9 test is generally considered safe and is a routine blood test performed in a clinical laboratory setting.

It involves a standard blood draw procedure, which carries minimal risks such as temporary discomfort, bruising, or very rarely, infection at the site of needle insertion.
There are no known serious or significant risks associated with the CA 19-9 test itself, and any potential risks are generally related to the blood draw process rather than the specific test.

When Do You Get CA 19-9 Test Results?

The turnaround time for CA 19-9 test results can vary depending on the laboratory performing the analysis and the specific testing methods used.
In most cases, it takes a few hours to receive the test results, typically within 8 - 24 hours after the blood sample is collected.

CA 19-9 Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the CA 19-9 Test.

False positives can occur due to other conditions.
Not specific to pancreatic cancer.
CA 19-9 Test cannot be used for early detection.
Levels may not correlate with tumour size.
Results may vary based on individual factors.

CA 19-9 Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the CA 19-9 Test.

Risk factors for elevated CA 19-9 levels include pancreatic cancer.
Other conditions such as liver and gallbladder diseases can also cause elevated levels.
Certain factors, such as age and smoking, may increase the risk of developing conditions associated with elevated CA 19-9 levels.

Doctor Recommendations After CA 19-9 Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after CA 19-9 Test.

CA 19-9 Test Results	Doctor to Visit	Reason
High	Oncologist	Potential cancer or other related conditions
Normal	General Practitioner	Routine monitoring or general health
Low	General Practitioner	No specific medical concern

CA 19-9 Test Price

Here are the estimated CA 19-9 Test Price in India with top different cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	800 - 1500
New Delhi	900 - 1500
Bangalore	800 - 1500
Hyderabad	900 - 1500
Kolkata	900 - 1500
Pune	800 - 1500
Lucknow	900 - 1500
Noida	800 - 1500
Surat	900 - 1500
Gurugram	800 - 1500
Patna	900 - 1500
Chennai	800 - 1500
Jaipur	900 - 1500
Ahmedabad	800 - 1500

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, CA 19-9 Test is a commonly used tumor marker test that helps in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal cancers, but it should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings for accurate assessmen. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

CA 19-9 Test - Wikipedia [1].
The clinical utility of serum CA 19-9 in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: An evidence-based appraisal - NIH [2].

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CA 19-9 Test FAQ

What is the difference between CA125 and CA 19-9?

CA125 and CA 19-9 are both tumor markers, but they are associated with different types of cancer. CA 125 is primarily used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer, whereas CA 19-9 is associated with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers. CA 125 levels can be elevated in ovarian cancer as well as other conditions, while CA 19-9 levels are specific to certain gastrointestinal cancers. It's important to note that tumor markers are not definitive diagnostic tools on their own, and further evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis and management. Healthcare professionals interpret the results in the context of the individual's clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests to guide appropriate care.

What does it mean when your CA 19-9 is high?

When CA 19-9 levels are high, it may indicate the presence of certain cancers, particularly pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder cancers. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, and benign tumors. Therefore, high CA 19-9 levels alone are not sufficient to diagnose cancer definitively. Additional diagnostic tests, clinical evaluations, and imaging studies are necessary to determine the underlying cause and to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate assessment, appropriate diagnostic approach, and subsequent management based on the individual's specific medical history and circumstances.

What does a CA 19-9 test show?

The CA 19-9 test is a blood test that measures the levels of a specific protein called CA 19-9. Elevated levels of CA 19-9 in the blood can indicate the presence of certain cancers, particularly pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder cancers. However, it's important to note that CA 19-9 levels can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions, such as pancreatitis and liver disease. Therefore, the CA 19-9 test is not used as a definitive diagnostic tool for cancer but rather as a tumor marker that can aid in monitoring cancer progression and treatment response. Additional tests and diagnostic procedures are typically required to confirm a cancer diagnosis.